We need more help. As many of you have seen, we are trying to recruit more volunteers, fosters, Board members, donors -- working around the clock to rally more support for our cause. We're a very small team these days, and while we know there's so much room for improvement in our marketing and outreach efforts, we are doing our absolute best to maintain our programs and services and to provide excellent care for each animal in our custody.

But our fundraising efforts have fallen short this summer, and we urgently need donations to cover our current expenses.

It's always busy around here, and the past couple of months have been no exception. Here's a snapshot of the work we're doing:

We are completing a more permanent rabbit habitat for abandoned, domestic rabbits that were dumped locally. We continue to work with each rabbit in the hopes that some of them will be able to live in a home again.

We recently accepted two at-risk dogs from Idaho shelters into our prison dog training program, both of whom have more complicated medical needs than we anticipated. We are more than happy to provide them with quality care and support now and in the future.

Each day, we respond to surrender and transfer requests. We provide free behavior consultations. Meet with local families who need help. Devise training plans and send off supplies. Lead workshops and teach classes. And so on.

Because we specialize in dogs with behavior issues, we also provide hours of advanced, hands-on care every day for the dogs in our programs. We're trying to tackle both ends of the leash, in an effort to stem the tide of dogs entering the shelter system. But these cases are complicated, and each animal requires something different from us -- some unique combination of housing, behavior training, nutrition, medication, and vet services.

And lately, those veterinary expenses are piling up. Here's what July looks like for us:

Routine vaccinations and exams
Medical supplies, including pain management, allergy, and anxiety treatments
Specialty procedures like TPLO surgery
Radiographs, labs, and urgent care
Physical therapy

Ellie and Coco are battling persistent ear infections. Ellie had abnormal bloodwork results last time, so we need to recheck her liver values. We're trying to get to the bottom of Coco's and Bentley's hypersensitivities (allergies to food? environment? something else?). Gracie is suffering from a complete cruciate rupture and requires a TPLO surgery to repair her knee. Mattie recently started a new pain management treatment for her ankle. Chipmunk is in physical therapy for suspected hip dysplasia, and Simon is recovering from burned paw pads. We need to maintain our supply of anti-inflammatories, anti-anxiety medications, distemper/parvo vaccines, and other vet med items. Several dogs are getting updated vaccines this month. Katara just arrived, and we'll need to onboard her at our vet clinic and determine a strategy for her behavior meds. We still haven't fully paid off Shadow's dental surgery.

The list goes on and on.

Please donate today if you can. Every dollar matters, and we appreciate any help you can give us. Thank you for supporting our cause.

Summer Bills

Fundraising for The Animal Retreat